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Amy Jo Johnson: New Kid on the Squad (June 2004) Quick links
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Joining a successful show can be overwhelming, but Amy Jo Johnson has stepped into her new role as a police services aide on "The Division" with ease. Not surprising for a woman who has played everything from 1960s rock star Nansi Nevins to Pink Mighty Morphin Power Ranger and a college co-ed. Here, the actress dishes about donning a uniform, her passion for painting and making music, and what it's like to be a producer. Lifetime Has "The Division" squad welcomed you with open arms? Johnson Yesterday was my first day and I had a lot of fun, especially working with Bonnie Bedelia. She's hysterical! Lifetime Can you describe your character? Johnson Her name is Stacy Newland, and she just got out of the academy. She freaked out when she was about to be married and decided to join the force because she wanted a more exciting life. But she's still afraid to wear a gun and isn't ready for the field. Lifetime Do you sing when you're not on set? Johnson Yes, but I've taken a break from singing with a full band. I have no aspiration to be a big rock star; I just want to enjoy the process of developing my music. Lifetime Can you talk about your upcoming acting projects? Johnson I'm producing a movie, "In Memory of My Father." My boyfriend wrote and directed the film, and it stars Jeremy Sisto from "Six Feet Under." It's about a father of three sons who is a movie producer. He dies, and his wake turns into one big, crazy Hollywood party. Lifetime How do you like being a producer? Johnson I'm loving it. I love being an actress too, but you have no power. You're a puppet. Lifetime What do you like to watch on television? Johnson Classic sitcoms like "All in the Family," "Mary Tyler Moore" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show." I'm also a sucker for "American Idol" and "Sex and the City." Lifetime Who is your role model and why? Johnson My mom, who passed away four years ago. I admire her giving nature and how she was with her friends. I try to be like that, but it's hard because you really have to give to yourself too and treat yourself nicely. Lifetime What is one thing you do for fun that would surprise people? Johnson I love painting — pixies and fairies in particular. When I have pent-up creative energy, I just like throwing it down. With writing it's more structured, but with painting it's a free-for-all. Lifetime Which of the characters that you've played do you most resemble in real life? Johnson Julie from "Felicity." She was the most normal, considering I've played an anorexic, a rock star with a drug problem and a Power Ranger. Lifetime Do you do any volunteering? Johnson I went to Bosnia three times to help out with a camp organized in the middle of the Bosnian war, in 1994, by Global Children's Organization. Kids who were orphans and refugees could take buses or boats to go play at this camp on a small island. The organization is going to set up a new camp in Israel for Palestinian kids. Lifetime What is your life motto? Johnson Grow enough to be consistently happy. Lifetime What is the biggest accomplishment of your life? Johnson Making a living working as an actress. I'm not a huge star and I'm not sure if I ever want to be, but I love acting. I'm so grateful that I get to make a living doing it. |
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Interviews Amy Jo Johnson: New Kid on the Squad |
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